Middle School Lunches Cut Back on Texas-Sized Portions

A new study coming out of the Baylor College of Medicine suggests that the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy has led to real improvements in the way that the state’s middle school students eat.

The findings, published in this month’s American Journal of Public Health, analyzed lunch records in south Texas middle schools before and after both district- and state-wide changes took place.

The research team found that school lunches after the 2004 policy was implemented provided significantly more protein, fiber, vitamins and calcium than lunches prior to the change. These levels were attributed mostly to the healthier options available in the school lunch line.

The Texas Public School Nutrition Policy was put into action in order to help curb Texas’ childhood obesity epidemic. Over 35% of Texas children are considered overweight or obese, much higher than the national average of 17%.

Obesity doesn’t just cost Texans money, but also lost educational and cultural opportunities.

The Texas Public School Nutrition Policy plans to phase out deep-frying as an on-site food preparation method in all public schools by 2010. While Houstonist understands that it is for the best, it will still look back on Corn Dog Day with fond memories.

Photo credit: Flickr user bookgrl